Not all backpacks are created equal

Who doesn’t love a quality backpack? We’ve had backpacks in our lives since the first day of school and then never seem to let go of them even as we age and head into the marketplace. Backpacks are popular in school, in work, and in travel. Finding the best backpack for each of those environments is no easy task- since there are thousands of brand, styles, and features to choose from.

In this post our crew shares our favorite backpacks we have ever tested. Over the years, our crew has tested, rated, ranked and worn several backpacks from several brands and dropped out favorites all in one list. This is the Best Backpacks we Have EVER tested list!

Knack Backpack V2

While it features a patent-pending expandable travel compartment, that's where the similarity with all previous Knack Packs ends. From its sleek, minimal styling to its entirely redesigned organization compartment, this new member of the Knack family stands on its own. The spacious main compartment is a pocket-lover’s dream with two generously-sized, soft monofilament mesh organization pockets. If that’s not enough, there’s also a protective, fleece-lined tablet pocket and another pocket for your batteries/cables/chargers. Finally, the compartment's lockable zippers keeps everything secure. We love the Knack brand for their innovation and sleek looks and the V2 backpack is a hit around the office.

Price: $295 on Knack

Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2

One of our first reviews EVER was the Peak Desing lineup. Thanks to them, we have since reviewed tons more. The Peak Lineup of Backpacks still are some of the best around. The look and aesthetics of the pack is sleek and sexy- yeah we just said sexy. The cleaner seams (from prior versions) and the rounded profiles blended with the new color (Midnight Blue for our review)  gives this pack an elevated look and appeal to many different preferences on visuals. The texture, zipper pull materials, and use of various composites such as 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas shell, 900D waterproof bottom liner, grey nylon interior and anodized aluminum and glass-reinforced nylon hardware, gives this pack respect out the gate simply for its attention to sustainability and durability details. 

Price: $299 on AMAZON

EZRI Backpack

If you travel anywhere, work everywhere, and have tried all the “wear”- in terms of backpacks, and are in the need of a sleek, professional, do-it-all backpack, the EZRI lineup of backpacks are a sure-fire choice. EZRI offers business professional, travelers, or roamers alike a backpack that does it all in a sleek, professional, and modern aesthetic. The backpack that looks as sleek with stuff inside it or not, has arrived. The EZRI Executive Backpack was designed to develop a sense of leadership, confidence and professional management within a business environment. Visually minimalistic but exceptionally functional, this laptop backpack enhances the business attire while holding all work items, making it the best backpack for work. What makes the EZRI backpack different is the premium features and functionality across all their backpacks.

Price: $395 for Executive

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TRMNL Designs

So when we first laid our hands on the Clamshell Designed backpack from TRMNL, the material and overall feel of the bag was really impressive. We really dig the front organization aspects of this bag! From the initial pass, you could fit a boat load of stuff inside and the laptop compartment is perfect for gear, fitting up to 17” and a 12.9” tablet. Featuring a water resistant work space, the pack has two padded sleeves (one for your laptop and one for a tablet). One really neat find was that this backpack has a shoe pocket separate from the main compartment- perfect for isolating those stinky shoes and dirty laundry.

Price: $199 on TRMNL

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COTS Apex Explore

The APEX EXPLORE by COTS is positioned as a functional business laptop backpack with ample storage capacity for your daily commute. Looking at it from the outside, it’s hard to disagree with that characterization, but not in regard to its looks. We found this bag to be quite stylish and unique with a high-end finish, unlike many other business bags we’ve gazed upon. Inside, the APEX EXPLORE is fitted with tough but lightweight nylon fabric with a cool geometric pattern. A singular, fleece-lined outer pocket is perfect for phones or sunglasses (though it lacks any structure that would prevent your glasses from getting crushed).

Price: $69.99 on COTS

MIS Calif 3-way Brief

A brief bag is a must have. The 3-Way Brief Bag from MIS Calif is a top notch choice. There are a ton of bags out there, so what makes one stand out over another? Most bags now feature plenty of storage, space, compartments, and some new design. The 3-Way Brief from MIS Calif doesn’t cut any corners and has something in it’s overall design for anyone. The MIS line (Short for “Make it Simple”), offers a unique design construction and versatility that make this bag a perfect everyday carry bag for those who travel for work/pleasure, need to load up with gear, and hit the street on bike, bus, or car.

Price: $225 on MIS Calif